An apparatus for reducing body stress on an exerciser

ABSTRACT

An apparatus used during weighted barbell exercises for reducing body stress on the wrists and lower back comprises identical assemblies mounted for rotation on the end sleeves of the barbell. Weights are suspended on the assemblies below the barbell. Each assembly comprises first horizontal tubular member having a sidewall defining an annulus adapted to receive the barbell end sleeves; a vertical extension member welded perpendicular to the first horizontal tubular member; and, a second horizontal member, parallel to the first horizontal tubular member welded to and suspended from the vertical extension member for carrying the weights. During the lift and recovery, the apparatus keeps the combined dynamic centers of gravity of the weights and apparatus close to the body reducing back stress. The apparatus reduces wrist stress by minimizing torque about the wrist.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of exercise devices, moreparticularly, a weight lifting apparatus utilizing weight resistance anda hand held bar with weight at each end, and specifically, an apparatusfor reducing body stress on an exerciser during weight lifting exercisesusing a barbell.

DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART

Over the past 20 years, the popularity of weight training has exploded.More than 45 million Americans train with weights regularly.Fortunately, serious injuries are relatively rare. However, minor andpotentially debilitating injuries are common. In 1986, weight traininginjuries accounted for an estimated 43,400 emergency department visitsout of a total of 5.6 million visits for all sports. In 1995, the lastyear for which statistics are available, emergency room visits forweight training injuries totaled 56,400, out of more than 5.4 millionvisits for all sports.

Exercising with free weights, as opposed to an exercise machine byUniversal® or Nautilus®, is well known. One common exercise apparatuscomprises a barbell with metallic disc-weights removably fixed to eitherside of the barbell. This type of exercise equipment is commonly used toincrease the strength and tone of muscles in the upper body,particularly the arms. There are a wide variety of exercises that can beused with this type of exercise equipment such as curls, and presses.Similarly, there is wide variety of equipment sold to accomplish thesetypes of exercises.

Body building exercises fall into various categories such as eccentriccontractions or “negatives,” forced repetitions to muscle failure,supersets (rapidly paired exercises of different muscle groups in thesame anatomic region), and compound sets (rapidly matched exercises ofthe same muscle group). Due to the repetitive nature of weight liftingand the use of progressively heavier weights, there are a number ofsports-related injuries to muscles and ligaments can occur as a result.

The body parts most at risk from performing weight lifting exercisesusing a barbell, such as bicep curls in a standing position, are theback and the wrists. Lifting a heavy weight during a bicep curl causesmore movement about all segments of the body due to other muscles tryingto compensate for the increase in weight and the dynamic center ofgravity of the combined weights and barbell during the exercise. For aheavy weight, there is a greater range of motion of the trunk segment, agreater range of motion about the hip joint, and greater lineardisplacement of the hip. This type of collateral movement does not serveto strengthen the target muscle group but does increase the risk ofinjury to the lower back by hyperextension. Furthermore, a bicep curlrequires that the heavy weights hang from the wrists causing extensionof the soft tissues and a significant bending moment about the wristthereby straining related bones, muscles and ligaments.

There are a large number of patented exercise devices designed toimprove the exercise of the biceps and triceps. For example, U.S. Pat.No. 6,022,300 “Rotating Grip Barbell” issued to Charles Hightower onFeb. 8, 2000 teaches a multi-positional grip barbell adapted to producegreater muscle toning and muscle building results. The Hightower deviceovercomes problems associated with standard barbells by permitting theexercise of muscle groups involved in pronation and supination. However,the Hightower device does not overcome the collateral movementsassociated with bicep curls that can result in back injury.

Relatively few patented exercise devices are specifically designed toreduce stress on the body during bicep strength development exercises.Once such device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,650 “Exercise Bar”issued to Roy D. Wedge Jr. on Oct. 10, 2000. The Wedge device isdesigned specifically as a rehabilitation tool for stroke victims orhemiplegic patients in order to reduce muscle tension and spasms. It isnot adapted to the type of strengthening exercises contemplated by myinvention. Canadian Patent 1,166,280 “Bicep Exercising Curling Bar”issued to William F. Brennan of the United States on Apr. 24, 1984describes a device that relies upon a thin, rigid and padded rectangularplate behind the supine wrist in order to displace the centre of gravityof the barbell from the plain of the hand grip bar and distribute weightacross the distal portion of the forearm thereby reducing stress on thewrist. However, the Brennan device does nothing to reduce stress on theback.

Therefore, there is still a requirement in the field of free weightlifting exercises using a barbell for an apparatus that reduces stresseson both the wrists and the lower back of an exerciser caused bycollateral movements of the exerciser's body and thereby reduces therisk of debilitating injury to the exerciser.

Objects

In light of the disadvantages noted above, it is a principle object ofthe present invention to provide an apparatus that can be used duringweight lifting exercises using a barbell with the result ofstrengthening the target muscle group while reducing the stress on thebody of the exerciser, specifically, the wrists and lower back of theexerciser caused by collateral movements of the exerciser's body andthereby reducing debilitating injuries to the exerciser.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that can beeasily adapted to existing barbells.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that is easyto manufacture and inexpensive to purchase.

Still further objects and advantages to our invention will becomeapparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to an apparatus that overcomes theabove-noted deficiencies of the prior art and satisfies the objectslisted previously. An apparatus having the features of the presentinvention comprises an apparatus for reducing exerciser stress duringweight lifting exercises using a barbell having non-rotating endsleeves. The apparatus comprises two identical assemblies. Each assemblycomprises a first horizontal tubular member having a sidewall definingan annulus through the first horizontal tubular member. The annulusclosely but slidably receives and passes one of the opposite end sleeveof the barbell through the first horizontal tubular member. The barbellend sleeve is free to rotate within the annulus. The assembly furthercomprises a vertical extension member fixed perpendicular to anddepending down from the first horizontal tubular member. The assemblyfurther comprises a second horizontal member, parallel to the firsthorizontal tubular member fixed to and suspended from the verticalextension member. The second horizontal member adapted for carryingweights and thereby lowers the combined center of gravity of theapparatus and weights with respect to the center of gravity of theexerciser.

In the practice of my invention, one advantage of the apparatus becomesapparent, namely, once each assembly is placed over the end sleeves ofthe barbell and loaded with weights, the weights are suspended below thebarbell when lifted. During, for example, the bicep curl, the stress onthe wrist is reduced because the weights are able to move below andbehind the wrist thereby reducing the torque on the wrist. Anotheradvantage of the apparatus is that, during the bicep curl, the centre ofgravity of the combined weights and apparatus is maintained close to thecentre of gravity of the body of the exerciser. This has the effect ofreducing the amount of collateral movement of the exerciser's bodyrequired to compensate for movement of the weight during the curl. Hencethe risk of injury to both the wrist and the back are reduced. A furtheradvantage of my invention is that, since the weights are is closer tothe body of the exerciser, there is less static inertia to overcome atthe commencement of the lift and less dynamic inertia to overcome at thetop of the lift. Yet another advantage of my invention is that thevelocity of the lift (upward movement) and recovery (downward movement)are constant thereby reducing the collateral movement of the body thatis caused by varying acceleration and deceleration of the weights at thecommencement of the lift and the recovery.

In the invention, the first horizontal tubular member has a first end, asecond end, a top surface and a bottom surface. The vertical extensionmember has a first end and a second end such that the first end of thevertical extension member is fixed to the bottom surface of the firsthorizontal tubular member midway between its first end and the secondend thereby forming a “T” shape. The second horizontal member has afirst end and a free second end. The first end of the horizontal memberis fixed to the second end of the vertical extension member therebyforming a right angle “L” shape.

In one embodiment of the invention the second horizontal member istubular as is the vertical extension member. The vertical extensiondistance between the first horizontal tubular member and the secondhorizontal member is defined by the length of the vertical extensionmember. The length of the vertical extension member is sufficient toaccommodate a range of weights (hence weight diameters) loaded onto thefree second end of the second horizontal member.

The assemblies are locked onto the opposite end sleeves of the barbellusing one of a clamp collar, a regular collar or a spin lock collar.These devices are also used to lock the weights onto the secondhorizontal member. The assemblies are fabricated from welded steeltubular members sufficiently strong to carry suspended weights. Inanother embodiment of the invention, the second horizontal member andthe vertical extension member may be solid steel members.

In another embodiment of the invention the second horizontal memberincludes co-axial rotating end sleeves adapted to carry the weights andpermitting them to rotate.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the invention comprises anapparatus for suspending weights below opposite ends of a barbell wherethe barbell has rotating end sleeves. In this embodiment each of the twoidentical assemblies of the apparatus comprises a first horizontaltubular member having a sidewall defining an annulus. The annulusreceives closely but slidably one of said opposite rotating end sleevesof the barbell and passes it through the first horizontal tubularmember. The invention also comprises a vertical extension member fixedperpendicular to and depending down from the first horizontal tubularmember and a second horizontal member, parallel to the first horizontaltubular member fixed to and suspended from the vertical extensionmember. The second horizontal member is adapted for carrying theweights. Since the end sleeves upon which the assemblies are mountedrotate, there is required means for fixing the assemblies to therotating end sleeves of the barbell. Such means comprise a threadedaperture located in the centre of the top surface of the firsthorizontal tubular member and a key having a threaded shaft adapted forthreaded engagement with the threaded aperture. The shaft has a firstend, a free second end and a head fixed to the first end of the shaft.The head is configured to permit hand turning of the key. In operation,once the barbell is inserted into the annulus of the first horizontaltubular member, the shaft of the key is threaded into the threadedaperture until the shaft free second end is firmly abutted against thebarbell rotating end sleeve thereby preventing the rotational movementbetween the end sleeve and the sidewall of the first horizontal tubularmember while still permitting rotational movement of the end sleeveabout the axis of the barbell.

The invention is also concerned with a combination of a barbell withnon-rotating end sleeves and my invention, namely, a pair of identicalassemblies for suspending weights below opposite end sleeves of thebarbell. In this embodiment of the invention, there is provided twoidentical assemblies each comprising a first horizontal tubular memberhaving a sidewall defining an annulus for closely but slidably receivingand passing one of the opposite non-rotating end sleeves of the barbell.The barbell end sleeve is free to rotate within the annulus. Thiscombination also comprises a vertical extension member fixedperpendicular to and depending down from the first horizontal tubularmember and a second horizontal member, parallel to the first horizontaltubular member fixed to and suspended from the vertical extensionmember. The second horizontal member adapted for carrying said weights.

In still another embodiment of the invention, there is provided acombination of a barbell having rotating end sleeves and the apparatusof my invention. The apparatus further comprises means for fixing theassemblies to the rotating ends of the barbell so that there is norotation of the rotating end sleeve with respect to the side wall of thefirst horizontal tubular member. Such means comprise a threaded aperturelocated in the centre of the top surface of the first horizontal tubularmember and a key having a threaded shaft adapted for threaded engagementwith the threaded aperture. The shaft has a first end and a free secondend. The head is fixed to the first end of the shaft and permits handturning of the key so that once the barbell is inserted into the annulusof the first horizontal tubular member, the shaft of the key is threadedinto the threaded aperture until the shaft free second end is firmlyabutted against the barbell thereby preventing the rotational movement.

The preferred barbell used with my invention in combination is the EZCurl Olympic Bar™ manufactured by the Ivanko Barbell Company.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of the preferred embodiments of the invention as illustratedin the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer tothe same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessary to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 1 comprises views, A, B and C, of three variants of a typicalOlympic type barbell.

FIG. 2 is a diagram representing the hand, finger and wrist positionswith respect to the barbell.

FIG. 3 is a series of diagrams A to F showing motion of the barbell withrespect to the body of the exerciser during a bicep curl using lightweights.

FIG. 4 shows positions of the barbell and the wrist at the beginning ofa curl.

FIG. 5 shows positions of the barbell and the wrist during the curl.

FIG. 6 shows positions of the barbell and the wrist at the end of thecurl.

FIG. 7 shows positions of my invention and the wrist at the beginning ofthe curl.

FIG. 8 shows positions of my invention and the wrist during the curl.

FIG. 9 shows positions of my invention and the wrist at the end of thecurl.

FIG. 10 shows a series of positions A to F of the exerciser's bodyduring a curl with heavy weights.

FIG. 111 shows a series of positions A to F of the exerciser's bodyduring a curl with heaving weights using my invention.

FIG. 12 shows one embodiment of my invention on a barbell withnon-rotating end sleeves.

FIG. 13 shows one embodiment of my invention.

FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of my invention mounted on a barbellwith rotating end sleeves.

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of my invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Introduction

The Barbell

Referring to FIG. 1, there are shown three drawings A, B, and C eachrepresenting a variety of an EZ Curl Olympic™ style barbell (10), (12)and (14). This type of barbell is well adapted for use with the presentinvention. The barbell dimensions are shown on FIG. 1. The barbell ismanufactured from solid steel and chrome plated. For explanation, I willrefer to FIG. 1B. The grip portions of each barbell (16 and 18) areknurled for a comfortable and slip-free grip. The barbell includeschrome steel collars (20) with locks (22). Weight plates are slid ontoeach end sleeve of the bar (24) and (26) and locked into place usinglocks (22). The locks are fixed to each end sleeve using a threadedshaft (28) having a turn handle (30) to permit tightening of the lockonto the end sleeve. The end sleeves may be adapted for rotation andthis will necessitate additional features described in the variousembodiments of my invention described herein. The “W” configuration ofthe bar (32) is designed for maximum effect on the target muscle group,namely, the biceps. Other types of bars can be used with the presentinvention but the Olympic™ barbell is the one contemplated in thisinvention.

The Hand Grip

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a diagram of a hand grip on abarbell from a face on view (FIG. 2A) and a side view (FIG. 2B) that anexerciser would use at the commencement of a bicep curl. The barbell isshown at (34). For the sake of explanation, the barbell is shown ashorizontal rather than having the curved grip on the Olympic™ barbelldescribed in FIG. 1. The attached weight (36) is shown on the left sideof the barbell. Only one arm (38) is shown in the Figure and it isunderstood that the curl is a two handed exercise. The wrist (40) isshown between the forearm (42) and the hand (44). The hand is in asupine position, that is, with the palm (45) facing outwards. Thefingers (46) of the hand are wrapped around the barbell and the thumb(48) extends towards the weight along the barbell as shown. Otherexercisers may have variants of this grip, but generally, this themanner in which the barbell is held for a bicep curl. In FIG. 2B, theforearm (42), wrist (40) and hand (44) are shown in a side view. Thebarbell (34) is carried by the curled fingers. This causes a significantextension on the tissues of the wrist and the hand due to the weightpulling the wrist and hand downwards. In this commencement position,there is little or no torque on the wrist caused by the moment arm (50)measured from the centre line of the wrist (52) to the centre line ofthe barbell (53) supporting the weights. However, the exerciser mustexert significant forces through the wrist in order to overcome thestatic inertia at the beginning of the lift.

The Range of Movements When Lifting a Light Weight

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a number of drawingsillustrating the movement of the weighted barbell during a bicep curl.In FIG. 3A, the commencement position is shown and the bar restsgenerally about or below the hips (55) of the exerciser (56). The weight(58) in FIG. 3 will be considered a very light one compared to theweight of the exerciser (56). During the curling exercise, the weight(58) is lifted in an arc (60) (FIG. 3F) from the hips (55) to about thelevel of the chest (62) of the exerciser. The movement is restricted tothe forearm (42) pivoting about the elbow joint (64). With a very lightweight, there is little collateral movement of the body necessary tocompensate for the dynamic movement of the centre of gravity of thecombined apparatus and weights. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 3, thelower back (66) and hips (55) of the exerciser can remain relativelystable during the up and down movement of the bicep curl. Such a lightweight is unlikely to place injurious stresses on the lower backalthough there is a reasonable amount of torque on the wrist joint evenwith a small weight due to the forces that must be exerted to overcomethe static inertia at the beginning of the lift and the dynamic inertiaat the end of the lift. As well, during recovery, that is lowering theweight from the top position to the bottom position, also requiresovercoming dynamic inertia as the weights must be decelerated at thebottom of the curl and then accelerated to commence the next repetition.

Stress on the Wrist

Referring to FIG. 4A, the exerciser commences the lift with a pivotingmotion at the elbow (not shown) and the fore arm (42) and weightedbarbell (34) begin to rise as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C. As the exerciserraises her forearm, the distance (D) (21) between wristjoint (23) andweighted barbell (34) begins to increase thereby forming a moment arm.This creates significant torque around wrist joint (23). In FIG. 4C, theforearm (42) continues to rise and wrist joint (23) continues to extendby gravity rearward (27) until the maximum limit of rearward movement isreached. At this time, the exerciser will have to exert a significantcounter torque about the wrist joint (23) in order to prevent a seriouswrist sprain due to extension of soft tissues.

Referring now to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the hand (44) begins to curl theweighted barbell (34) about the wrist joint (23) until, as shown in FIG.5B, the weight is the furthest from the wrist joint (23). At this point,the distance “D” (21) is longest and the torque on the wrist joint is atits highest magnitude.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A to 6C, the hand (44) continues to exert acounter force against the torque to reduce the length of the moment arm“D” (21) between the weighted barbell (34) and the wrist joint (23) asmuch as possible. The biceps pull the forearm towards the chest of theexerciser (not shown) to complete the curl at position 6C. Note that inthis position, the length of the moment arm (D) between the weightedbarbell (34) and the wrist (23) has been minimized. The exerciser willthen commence to lower the weight in a rearward curl to complete therecovery.

Generally, wrist injuries occur when the wrist joint is extended beyondits limitations as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B or when the exerciserattempts to counter the torque by applying a curling motion with thewrist joint during the lift phase of the exercise as shown in FIGS. 5A,5B, 6A and 6B.

The Solution Offered by my Invention

My invention is designed to reduce wrist stress by ensuring that themoment arm between the weighted barbell (34) and the wrist joint (23) isminimized during the lifting phase and recovery phase of the curl. Aswell, my invention assists the exerciser in overcoming the staticinertia at the commencement of the curl and the dynamic inertia at thetop of the curl by using less force and therefore applying less stressto soft tissues of the wrist. My invention effectively decouples themass of the weights from the hands creating inertial forces during theexercise that are less stressful as more fully explained below. Thestructural features of my invention will be described more fully below.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the invention (100) effectively lowers the weight(37) by suspending it from the barbell (34) by means of member (80). Myinvention is attached to the barbell in such a manner as to permitrotation of the suspended weight with respect to the barbell. Forexample, with the Olympic type barbell shown in FIG. 1, my inventionwould permit a swinging motion (82) of the weight about the axis of thebar. The importance of the swinging motion of the weight is important ifone considers the reaction of the body to the lifting of the weightduring a two-hand bicep curl. As more fully explained below in thediscussion relating to how my invention lessens back stress, as theweight is lifted the center of gravity of the weight and apparatuscombination is dynamic and moves outward as the weight is lifted. Theexerciser's body will respond to the shift of weight by moving her hipsoutwards towards the weight to retain a stable stance when lifting. Theeffect of moving the hips towards the weight causes the weight to swing(84) towards the exerciser and therefore reduce the moment arm (21)between the suspended weight and the wrist joint (23).

Throughout the lift phase of the bicep curl, the body will remainslightly arched towards the weight as long as the centre of gravity ofthe combined suspended weight and apparatus in front of the exerciser'sbody.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B and comparing them to FIGS. 5A and 5B, itis clear that my invention results in a reduction of the length of themoment arm “D” (21) and therefore a reduction of the injurious torqueabout the wrist joint (23). As well, because the suspended weightsremain closer to the body, the velocity of the lift is and the recoveryis more consistent during the curl. This further reduces stress on thebody as there is less need to dramatically accelerate and decelerate theweights during the exercise. By keeping the distance “D” minimizedduring the lift and recovery, the initial forces needed to be exerted toovercome static and dynamic inertia during the exercise are reduced.

Referring to FIG. 9, similar reductions in the length of “D” are shownas a result of my invention thereby reducing wrist joint (23) stress.

Once the upward movement of the curl has been completed, the combinedcentre of gravity of the weight and the apparatus will generally bevertically co-axial and the body can re-assume an erect posture. Thereverse movement will have the same effect as the weight is brought downfrom the chest to the starting position.

Back Problems

As noted above, using heavy weights in a two-handed bicep curl puts asignificant amount of stress on the lower back due to hyper-extension.Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown in A to F a side viewrepresentation of exerciser body movement during a bicep curl lift usingheavy weights. The weight (37) is attached to the barbell (34). Atposition A, the exerciser is carrying the weight in her hands andgenerally there is no forward movement of the hips to compensate theshifted centre of gravity of the combined exerciser and weight. Atposition B, the weight has moved a distance forward and the centre ofgravity of the body and weight also moves. Therefore the hips mustcompensate by shifting the weight of the body forward by moving forward.This stresses the lower back (66). At position C, the hands of theexerciser are in their most forward position and the centre of gravityof the combined apparatus and weight is also at its most forwardposition. This necessitates the hips to move the centre of gravity ofthe body forward in order to retain a stable platform for the combinedapparatus and weights. This puts additional stress on the lower back. Atpositions D and E the weight is moving towards the body and thereforethe centre of gravity of the combined exerciser body and weight ismoving back towards the body. This necessitates the hips movingbackwards and has the effect of reducing stress on the lower back. Asillustrated by FIG. 10F, the horizontal arrow (86) represents the amountof movement of the hips in the lifting phase of the two-handed bicepcurl. The vertical arc (88) represents the movements of the hands duringthe lift phase of the curl. It is important to note that the weighttravels upwards and away from the centre of gravity of the exerciser'sbody both in a horizontal and vertical direction. This necessitatesconsiderable exerciser body movement in order to compensate the shift inthe combined centre of gravity of the apparatus and weights. This bodymovement creates stress on the lower back. As well, when heavier weightsare used for the exercise there are greater forces that must be exertedby the exerciser to overcome static and dynamic inertia. This willresult in the exerciser having to apply greater acceleration at thecommencement of the lift and greater deceleration at the top of the liftand the bottom of the recovery. These greater forces will requirecollateral movements of the body in order to maintain stability andtherefore greater stresses on the lower back and wrists of theexerciser.

The Solution Offered by my Invention

Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown the same movement as FIG. 10, butusing my invention (100). In my invention, the weight (37) is suspendedfrom the barbell (34) and so hangs below the centre of gravity of theexerciser's body (90) and close to the vertical axis (92) of the body.In this position, there is no requirement for major body movements tocompensate for the centre of gravity of the apparatus and weightcombination. In position B, as the lift commences, the weight rises andthe body of the exerciser must shift to compensate for the dynamiccombined centre of gravity of the weights and apparatus shifts. However,note that the suspended weight remains proximate to the centre ofgravity of the exerciser's body. This necessitates much less of aforward corrective or compensatory movement by the exerciser's hips andtherefore there is less stress on the exerciser's lower back (66). Theresult is a lift and recovery that has a relatively consistent velocitywith a reduced need for the acceleration and deceleration of the weightto overcome static and dynamic inertia. At position C, the hands of theexerciser are in their furthest extension and the stress on the lowerback is at a maximum. However, due to the proximity of the suspendedweight to the centre of gravity of the exerciser, the centre of gravityof the exerciser's body has not shifted forward as far as the situationin position 10C. Therefore, there is less of a compensatory movementrequired by the exerciser's hips and the stress on the back using theinvention is much less. At positions 11D and 11E the centre of gravityof the weight are moving back towards the body and therefore the stresson the lower back is lessening. In FIG. 11F, the lower horizontal arrow(94) indicates the required movement of the exerciser's hips tocompensate for the dynamic shift of centre of gravity of the weightsduring the lift. It is much less than that of FIG. 10F. In FIG. 11F, thetop arc (96) represents the movement of the hands or barbell during thelift. This arc is substantially the same as the arc in 10F as themovement is the same. However, the lower arc (98) in FIG. 11F representsthe movement of the axis of the suspended weight and it is shown to bemore proximate to the centre of gravity of the exerciser's body.Therefore, by keeping the centre of gravity of the weight being liftedin a bicep curl close to the centre of gravity of the exerciser's body,the lower stress on the exerciser's back is significantly reduced.

Physical Description of the Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, my invention is an apparatus (100) forsuspending weights below opposite ends of a barbell (102). The barbellmay be a standard barbell having a first (109) and a second (111)non-rotating end sleeve upon which the weights are mounted. Theapparatus comprises two identical and parallel assemblies (104) and(106) will be attached to the respective first and second non-rotatingend sleeves (109) and (111) in such a manner that permits the first andsecond assemblies to rotate around their respective end sleeves. The twoassemblies are identical and comprise a first horizontal tubular member(108) having a sidewall (110) defining an annulus (112) through it. Theannulus is adapted for closely but slidably receiving and passing one ofthe first or second barbell end sleeves through the first horizontaltubular member of one of the respective first or second assemblies. Thebarbell sleeve end is free to rotate within the annulus. A verticalextension member (114) is fixed by welding perpendicular to anddepending down from the first horizontal tubular member. There is also asecond horizontal member (116), parallel to the first horizontal tubularmember and welded to and suspended from the vertical member. The secondhorizontal member adapted for receiving and carrying the disc-shapedweights that would otherwise be mounted on the barbell end sleeves.Therefore, the second horizontal member effectively lowers the center ofgravity of the weights and the assemblies with respect to center ofgravity of the exerciser and maintains that lowered center of gravityclose to the center of gravity of the body of the exerciser.

The first horizontal tubular member has a first end (120), a second end(122), a top surface (124) and a bottom surface (126). The verticalextension member (114) has a first end (128) and a second end (130). Thefirst end of the vertical extension member (128) is welded to the bottomsurface (126) of the first horizontal tubular member midway between thefirst end (120) and the second end (122) of the first horizontal tubularmember thereby forming a “T” shape. The second horizontal member (116)has a first end (132) and a free second end (134). The first end (132)of the horizontal member is welded to the second end (130) of thevertical extension member thereby forming a right angle “L” shape.

The second horizontal member maybe tubular and it may also be a solidcylindrical member. Similarly, the vertical extension member isgenerally tubular but it may be a solid member as well. The weightsreceived on the second horizontal member are disc-shaped and aperturedin their centers. The apertures have a diameter that is larger than thediameter of the second horizontal tubular member so that easily slideonto and off of the member. Generally, the heavier weights have largerdisc diameters and so the vertical distance between the first horizontaltubular member and the second horizontal member is defined by the lengthof the vertical extension member and ensures that this vertical distanceis sufficient to accommodate a range of weights.

In order to retain the assemblies on the barbell end sleeves theapparatus further includes locks for locking each of the assemblies onopposite end sleeves of the barbell. The locks comprise one of a clampcollar, a regular collar or a spin lock collar and the differencesbetween these devices are well known in the art of weight liftingequipment and need not be further described in this specification. Tolock the weights onto the second horizontal member the same types oflocks are used. The assemblies are fabricated from steel sufficientlystrong to carry suspended weights.

Once each of said two identical assemblies of my invention are mountedto the opposite end sleeves of the barbell and weights are mounted tothe respective second tubular horizontal member of each of the twoidentical assemblies, raising the barbell will result in the weightsbeing suspended below the barbell in a balanced configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, in another embodiment of myinvention, the apparatus (140) is used with a barbell (142) havingrotating end sleeves (143) and (145). This type of barbell like theOlympic EZ Curl Barbell illustrated in FIG. 1. In this embodiment eachidentical assembly (144) comprises a first horizontal tubular member(146) having a sidewall (148) defining an annulus (150) through thefirst horizontal tubular member for closely but slidably receiving andpassing one of the opposite rotating end sleeves of the barbell throughthe first horizontal tubular member. There is a vertical extensionmember (152) welded perpendicular to and depending down from the firsthorizontal tubular member. There is a second horizontal member (154),parallel to the first horizontal tubular member (146) welded to andsuspended from the vertical extension member (152) and adapted forcarrying the weights. This embodiment includes means for fixing theassemblies to the rotating end sleeves of the barbell which comprises athreaded aperture (160) located in the centre of the top surface of thefirst horizontal tubular member and a key (162) having a threaded shaft(164) adapted for threaded engagement with the threaded aperture. Theshaft of the key has a first end (167), a free second end (169) and ahead (166) fixed to the first end of the shaft. The head configured topermit hand turning of the key so that once the barbell end sleeve isinserted into the annulus of the first horizontal tubular member, theshaft of the key is threaded into the threaded aperture until the shaftfree second end is firmly abutted against the barbell rotating endsleeve thereby preventing the rotational movement between the end sleeveand the sidewall while permitting rotational movement of the end sleeveabout the axis of the barbell.

Another embodiment of my invention comprises a barbell in combinationwith an apparatus for suspending weights below the barbell of the typedescribed herein. The barbell may have a non-rotating end sleeves atopposite ends or it may have rotating end sleeves. Where the barbell hasrotating end sleeves, then the apparatus must include means for fixingthe assemblies to the rotating end sleeves of the barbell as describedabove. Once such barbell with rotating end sleeves is the EZ CurlOlympic Bar™ as illustrated in FIG. 1.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second horizontal memberincludes a rotating end sleeve for carrying weights just as in the EZCurl Olympic Bar so that the weights are free to rotate on the bar andthe barbell does not rotate with respect to the hands of the exerciser.

Although this description contains much specificity, these should not beconstrued as limiting the scope of the invention by merely providingillustrations of some of the embodiment of the invention. Thus the scopeof the invention should be determined by the appended claims and theirlegal equivalents rather than by the examples given.

1. An apparatus for reducing body stress on an exerciser, said exerciserhaving a centre of gravity, said apparatus used during weight liftingexercises using a barbell, said barbell having first and secondnon-rotating opposite end sleeves, said apparatus comprising a firstassembly mounted to said first non-rotating end sleeve and a secondparallel and identical assembly mounted to said second non-rotating endsleeve, wherein each of the first and second assemblies are adopted tosuspend weights below the barbell, and wherein the apparatus and saidweights having a combined centre of gravity that is dynamic during saidweight lifting exercises, and further wherein each assembly comprises:a. a first horizontal tubular member having a sidewall defining anannulus through said first horizontal tubular member for closely butslidably and co-axially receiving and passing one of said first orsecond non-rotating end sleeves of the barbell through the firsthorizontal tubular member so that the first or second barbell end sleeveis free to rotate within said annulus; b. a vertical extension memberwelded perpendicular to and depending down from the first horizontaltubular member; and, c. a second horizontal member, parallel to thefirst horizontal tubular member welded to and suspended from saidvertical extension member, said second horizontal member adapted forcarrying the weights thereby lowering the position of said combinedcentre of gravity with respect to said centre of gravity of theexerciser; so that during the weight lifting exercises, the combineddynamic centre of gravity remains close to the exerciser therebyreducing the exerciser's compensatory body movements relative to thedynamic centre of gravity and resulting in a reduction of body stress.2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first horizontal tubular memberhas a first end, a second end, a top surface and a bottom surface; thevertical extension member has a first end and a second end such thatsaid first end of the vertical extension member is welded to said bottomsurface of the first horizontal tubular member midway between said firstend and said second end of the first horizontal tubular member therebyforming a “T” shape therewith; the second horizontal member has a firstend and a free second end; and, said first end of the horizontal memberis welded to said second end of the vertical extension member therebyforming a right angle “L” shape therewith.
 3. The apparatus as claimedin claim 2, wherein the second horizontal member is tubular; the weightsare disc-shaped and have apertures in their centers, the weights havediameters that increase as their mass increases, said apertures having adiameter larger than the diameter of the second horizontal tubularmember, wherein said weight diameters increase with weight; the verticaldistance between the first horizontal tubular member and the secondhorizontal member is defined by the length of the vertical extensionmember, said length adapted to accommodate a range of said weightdiameters; and, said free second end of the second tubular horizontalmember is adapted to closely and slidably receive and pass through theweight apertures.
 4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, furtherincluding locking means for locking each of the first and secondassemblies on opposite first and second end sleeves of the barbellrespectively.
 5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein saidlocking means comprises one of a clamp collar, a regular collar or aspin lock collar.
 6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein thefirst and second assemblies are fabricated from steel sufficientlystrong to carry the weights.
 7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1,further comprising second locking means for locking the weights onto thesecond horizontal member.
 8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7,wherein said second locking means comprises one of a clamp collar, aregular collar or a spin lock collar.
 9. An apparatus for reducing bodystress on an exerciser, said exerciser having a centre of gravity, saidapparatus used during weight lifting exercises using a barbell, saidbarbell having first and second rotating opposite end sleeves, saidapparatus comprising a first assembly mounted to said first non-rotatingend sleeve and a second parallel and identical assembly mounted to saidsecond non-rotating end sleeve, wherein each of the first and secondassemblies are adopted to suspend weights below the barbell, and whereinthe apparatus and said weights having a combined centre of gravity thatis dynamic during said weight lifting exercises, and further whereineach assembly comprises: a first horizontal tubular member having asidewall defining an annulus through said first horizontal tubularmember for closely but slidably and co-axially receiving and passing oneof said first or second rotating end sleeves of the barbell through thefirst horizontal tubular member so that the first and second rotatingend sleeves of the barbell are free to rotate within said annulus; avertical extension member welded perpendicular to and depending downfrom the first horizontal tubular member; a second horizontal member,parallel to the first horizontal tubular member welded to and suspendedfrom said vertical member, said second horizontal member adapted forcarrying the weights; and, means for fixing the first and secondassemblies to their respective first and second rotating end sleeves ofthe barbell so that the first and second end sleeves do not rotate withrespect to the annulus sidewall; so that during the weight liftingexercises, the combined dynamic centre of gravity remains close to theexerciser thereby reducing the exerciser's compensatory body movementsrelative to the dynamic centre of gravity and resulting in a reductionof body stress.
 10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein meansfor fixing the first and second assemblies to their respective first andsecond rotating end sleeves comprises a locking assembly comprising athreaded aperture located in the centre of the top surface of the firsthorizontal tubular member; and, a key having a threaded shaft adaptedfor threaded engagement with said threaded aperture, said shaft having afirst end and a free second end; and, a head fixed to said first end ofthe shaft, said head configured to permit hand turning of said key; sothat once a first or second barbell end sleeve is co-axially insertedinto the annulus of the first horizontal tubular member, the shaft ofthe key is threaded into the threaded aperture until said shaft freesecond end is firmly abutted against the barbell rotating end sleevethereby preventing the rotational movement between the end sleeve andsaid sidewall while permitting rotational movement of the end sleeveabout the axis of the barbell.
 11. In combination a barbell and anapparatus for reducing body stress of an exerciser, said exerciserhaving a center of gravity, said apparatus used during weight liftingexercises using a barbell, said barbell having first and secondnon-rotating opposite end sleeve, said apparatus comprising a firstassembly mounted to said first non-rotating end sleeves and a secondparallel and identical assembly mounted to said second non-rotating endsleeve, wherein each of the first and second assemblies are adopted tosuspend weights below the barbell, and wherein the apparatus and saidweights having a combined centre of gravity that is dynamic during saidweight lifting exercises, and further wherein each assembly comprises afirst horizontal tubular member having a sidewall defining an annulusthrough said first horizontal tubular member for closely but slidablyand co-axially receiving and passing one of said first or secondnon-rotating end sleeves of the barbell through the first horizontaltubular member so that the barbell end sleeve is free to rotate withinsaid annulus; a vertical extension member welded perpendicular to anddepending down from the first horizontal tubular member; and, a secondhorizontal member, parallel to the first horizontal tubular memberwelded to and suspended from said vertical member, said secondhorizontal member adapted for carrying the weights thereby lowering theposition of the centre of said combined center or gravity with respectto the center of gravity of the exerciser; so that during the weightlifting exercises, the combined dynamic centre of mass remains close tothe exerciser thereby reducing the exerciser's compensatory bodymovements relative to the dynamic center of gravity and resulting in areduction of body stress.
 12. The combination as claimed in claim 11,wherein the barbell has opposite first and second rotating end sleeves.13. The combination as claimed in claim 12, further comprising means forfixing the first and second assemblies to their respective said firstand second rotating end sleeves so that the first and second end sleevesdo not rotate with respect to the annulus sidewall.
 14. The combinationas claimed in claim 13, wherein said means comprises a threaded aperturelocated in the centre of the top surface of the first horizontal tubularmember; and, a key having a threaded shaft adapted for threadedengagement with said threaded aperture, said shaft having a first endand a free second end; and, a head fixed to said first end of the shaft,said head configured to permit hand turning of said key so that once thebarbell is inserted into the annulus of the first horizontal tubularmember, the shaft of the key is threaded into the threaded apertureuntil said shaft free second end is firmly abutted against the barbellthereby preventing the rotational movement thereof.
 15. The combinationas claimed in claim 14, wherein the barbell is an EZ Curl Olympic Bar™manufactured by the Ivanko Barbell Company.